Great Southern Rail Trail

Ride the full Great Southern Rail Trail across South Gippsland, from Nyora’s railway precinct to Tarra Trail Reserve in Yarram. The 131.2 km one-way route links Loch, Korumburra, Leongatha, Koonwarra, Meeniyan, Stony Creek, Buffalo, Fish Creek, Foster, Toora, Welshpool and Alberton. Old station sites, dairy country, fern gullies, long bridges and views towards Corner Inlet give each part a different character. This is a substantial end-to-end ride; split it over two or three days for time to enjoy the towns, or choose a shorter section between the marked access points.

The trail is predominantly compacted granitic sand and gravel, with sealed township links, underpasses and bridge decks. Touring, hybrid, gravel and mountain bikes with comfortable tyres suit the changing surface. The railway grades are generally manageable, but Loch–Korumburra and Fish Creek–Foster involve sustained climbing; this is not a completely flat 131 km path. Expect loose material, soft patches after rain, gates and cattle crossings. Share the trail with walkers and horse riders, slow before passing, and leave gates as you find them. Road crossings still require care, particularly the signed connection through Leongatha and highway crossings near Meeniyan, Hedley and Alberton.

From Nyora, descend towards Loch, where the former station and a signed underpass give access to the village. Climb through the hills towards Korumburra before continuing past the old Kardella and Ruby localities to Leongatha. The railway precincts are useful access and rest points; these heritage stations do not provide passenger train services. Leongatha is a good place to buy supplies before the trail rolls down towards Koonwarra. Milly & Romeo’s is an optional bakery stop in the village. Continue through the Black Spur’s concrete-decked bridges and highway underpasses, then cross the long Tarwin River bridge into Meeniyan for food, water and bike-hire options.

The next section turns south through Stony Creek and Buffalo before reaching Fish Creek’s cafés, galleries and Art Deco hotel. Beyond Fish Creek, climb towards the Hoddle Range lookout for views over Corner Inlet towards Wilsons Promontory, then descend to Foster Station Park. Foster’s town centre is about 1.5 km off the trail, so allow extra distance if you need a meal or accommodation. The trail then crosses the Franklin River and passes through farming country towards Toora and Welshpool. Resupply before the longer, quieter stretch through Hedley to Alberton, then follow the final flat section into Yarram’s wetlands, railway reserve and town connections.

The main track runs directly from Nyora to Yarram. The signed Port Welshpool branch is an optional 5 km each way from Welshpool; Port Albert is an optional 6.8 km each way from Alberton. Neither coastal branch is included in the displayed distance or GPX. Arrange accommodation, a car shuffle or a bicycle-capable shuttle before riding end to end. The trail’s official transport advice says V/Line coaches have no bicycle storage option; do not rely on a coach to carry an ordinary bicycle home. Ask shuttle operators about the exact towns, bike capacity and booking conditions. Carry food and water between towns, especially east of Welshpool, and confirm that planned food stops will be open.

Current trail notice, checked 25 October 2026: bridge works near Simons Lane, Leongatha are scheduled until mid-December 2026. The trail remains open via a signed temporary bridge and track, with possible delays of up to 10 minutes; horses cannot use the temporary crossing. The GPX follows the mapped permanent trail corridor, so follow the temporary signs at the worksite. Check the official trail website for changed access, fire and weather conditions before departure.